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E46 Xi Forum The E46 XI was produced from 01-05 in sedan and touring body styles. Powered by either a 2.5L inline 6 in the 325xi or a 3.0L inline 6 330xi. Discuss all thing about BMW AWD E46 'Xi' here.

well, I think I'm gonna have to bite the bullet and have the shop put on the front springs and struts. They wanted 3.5 hours to put the front springs on so I'll have to see what they want with the struts included. It would stink to have to pay for the labor twice in the long run. Having them do an alignment sounds like a good idea too. Thanks for all of your advice!

It should cost the same as you have to remove the struts with the springs.

Good point pjo33us. I got the Eibach Pro-kit yesterday and the Bilstein HD's are due this Friday. I called the shop and they said to add the struts/shocks to the install, it would minimally increase the labor charge. He didn't quote me a true time which was a little iffy but since I'd be getting the alignment anyway...I expected it to cost more. Hoping the ride isn't too harsh but since I have a broken rear spring and it feels like the front struts are bad....how much worse could it be? My other car is a 1994 Pontiac Formula with lowering springs so I've been there.

I had Bilstein HDs on NYC roads; they do not do well, especially as a daily driver. The shocks are really great, but I had to switch back to the SACHS because of it. SACHS are softer, with slightly more roll, but are much more comfortable on NYC roads. The Bilsteins were incredible on the smooth highway roads though. Very tight feel. I hope to move out of NYC, one day.

OP...what did you decide to do? I live in Colorado where the roads are fairly decent and am trying to decide between Eibach or bav auto springs (I think they are the same) and Bilstien HDs versus sports. The car is a daily driver and takes me skiing etc. If I wanted a race car I would get an old E30 or 2002 and build it that way.

I had Bilstein HDs on NYC roads; they do not do well, especially as a daily driver. The shocks are really great, but I had to switch back to the SACHS because of it. SACHS are softer, with slightly more roll, but are much more comfortable on NYC roads. The Bilsteins were incredible on the smooth highway roads though. Very tight feel. I hope to move out of NYC, one day.

I disagree. I have the Bilstein HDs and I don't think they are too much stiffer than sachs shocks. They do great in Boston . . .

I have Bilstein HDs and H&R Springs--and yes the ride is harsh on rough roads--but I wanted good handling and thats what I got--also, put on urethane control arm bushings and updated ALL the front suspension parts--Handles like I want, but again, is harsh. Roads here in KY aren't too bad but some are rough and I just have to take it a little easy or find a better way home and believe me there is always a better way home.--the drop is pretty good and the car looks a little more aggressive--which is what most of us are looking for.--heres some pics of the drop.

I have Bilstein HDs and H&R Springs--and yes the ride is harsh on rough roads--but I wanted good handling and thats what I got--also, put on urethane control arm bushings and updated ALL the front suspension parts--Handles like I want, but again, is harsh. Roads here in KY aren't too bad but some are rough and I just have to take it a little easy or find a better way home and believe me there is always a better way home.--the drop is pretty good and the car looks a little more aggressive--which is what most of us are looking for.--heres some pics of the drop.

I have installed the Koni Sports, Eibach ProKit and 5 mm rear upper pads.
This is the result:
I did not have any problem with slow settling. The ride and handling has impressed so far and the adjustability of the Konis is a plus since I've dialed the ride firmer (1 turn).